Arthur Chan

The international system appears headed for a renewed era of intense competition among major powers. The authors sought to identify the factors that keep such rivalries stable and those that lead to conflictual outcomes. Leveraging theory and historical case studies, the authors created a framework for assessing the stability of a strategic rivalry, then applied it to the current U.S.-Russia and U.S.-China competitions.

The French concept of network-centric warfare argues that information-sharing enables forces to forgo armor and mass. The concept underpins France's push for a middle-weight force--one that can deploy to Africa but is still robust enough for higher-end threats. By contrast, the U.S. Army's modernization challenge starts with a different strategic premise and makes different assumptions about available logistical capabilities.

As the political-military challenge from the People's Republic of China grows in the years ahead, Taiwan's reserve force may need to play a more prominent role in Taipei's strategic relationship with Beijing. The authors of this report assess Taiwan's current reserve force and discuss steps that Taiwan can take to enhance the role of the reserves in deterring and, if necessary, defending against a cross-Strait invasion.

The challenge of deterring territorial aggression is taking on renewed importance, yet discussion of it has lagged in U.S. military and strategy circles. The authors aim to provide a fresh look, with two primary purposes: to review established concepts about deterrence, and to provide a framework for evaluating the strength of deterrent relationships. They focus on a specific type of deterrence: extended deterrence of interstate aggression.

This report for the Malian government explores the challenges in setting up a national security council (NSC) and the most effective means for overcoming them. A theoretical framework is created and applied to three African countries serving as case studies. Suggestions for overcoming challenges and other impacts on effectiveness are discussed. Ultimately, a well-functioning NSC will be complemented by reforms elsewhere.

This report provides analysis and recommendations for intelligence agencies regarding how to conduct work outside secure government facilities by identifying policy, legal, technology, security, financial, and cultural considerations. This report provides steps that intelligence agencies can take to address these considerations and overcome potential challenges.